In Benefit of the Doubt , influential theologian, pastor, and bestselling author Gregory Boyd invites readers to embrace a faith that doesn't strive for certainty, but rather for commitment in the midst of uncertainty. Boyd rejects the idea that a person's faith is as strong as it is certain. In fact, he makes the case that doubt can enhance faith and that seeking certainty is harming many in today's church. Readers who wrestle with their faith will welcome Boyd's message that experiencing a life-transforming relationship with Christ is possible, even with unresolved questions about the Bible, theology, and ethics. Boyd shares stories of his own painful journey, and stories of those to whom he has ministered, with a poignant honesty that will resonate with readers of all ages. Let your questions lead you to a stronger faith Have you ever struggled with doubts about your faith? Has the Bible sometimes felt like a shaky foundation? Are you afraid to talk about it for fear of judgment from those who seem to have it all figured out? Gregory Boyd knows how you feel. For him, faith has been anything but certain. In Benefit of the Doubt , he invites you to embrace a faith that doesn't strive for certainty but rather for commitment to Christ in the midst of uncertainty. Join him as he shares with poignant honesty his own inspirational journey, offering reassurance that you can experience a life-transforming relationship with Christ, even with unresolved questions about the Bible, theology, and ethics. "Even when certainty is inaccessible, commitment remains an option. Greg Boyd is incapable of uninteresting thoughts. And this book is not merely thoughtful; it will be a tremendous help to doubters (and non-doubters) everywhere."-- John Ortberg, author of Who Is This Man? ; pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church "Boyd has gotten used to exploring new territory, and in this book he dives into the issue of doubt and certainty--and recovers the lost treasure of Christlike humility and childlike wonder. Enjoy."-- Shane Claiborne , author, activist, and lover of Jesus; www.thesimpleway.org " Benefit of the Doubt is a deeply personal yet profoundly theological look at the important role of doubt in the Christian faith. Prepare to feel a little less crazy, a little less alone, and a lot more challenged to take the risk of following Jesus with your head and heart engaged. Boyd is the best sort of company for the journey."-- Rachel Held Evans , blogger at www.rachelheldevans.com; author of Evolving in Monkey Town and A Year of Biblical Womanhood "If you're a Christian who wrestles with doubt or you know someone who does, Benefit of the Doubt is one of the best books ever written on the subject."-- Frank Viola , author of God's Favorite Place on Earth ; www.frankviola.org Gregory A. Boyd (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is the senior pastor at Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the founder of ReKnew. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including Letters from a Skeptic , Is God to Blame? , Repenting of Religion , and Across the Spectrum . Gregory A. Boyd (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary), formerly professor of theology at Bethel University, is senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where average attendance has grown to 5,000 since he helped plant the church in 1992. He is the author of many books, including the critically acclaimed Seeing Is Believing and the best-selling Gold Medallion Award-winner Letters from a Skeptic . He is also coauthor of The Jesus Legend . BENEFIT of the DOUBT BREAKING the IDOL of CERTAINTY By Gregory A. Boyd Baker Books Copyright © 2013 Gregory A. Boyd All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-8010-1492-5 Contents Abbreviations..............................................................9Introduction...............................................................11Part 1 False Faith.........................................................1. Embracing the Pain......................................................232. Hooked on a Feeling.....................................................333. The Idol of Certainty...................................................54Part 2 True Faith..........................................................4. Wrestling with God......................................................755. Screaming at the Sky....................................................916. From Legal Deals to Binding Love........................................1127. Embodied Faith..........................................................128Part 3 Exercising Faith....................................................8. A Solid Center..........................................................1559. The Center of Scripture.................................................17410. Substantial Hope.......................................................19411. Stumbling on the Promises of God......................